Sunday, May 18, 2014
WEEK EIGHT BLOG ENTRY
HELLLLP! Seriously, it is the 8th or so week of the Spring Quarter. I think I have senioritis even worse than my daughter who is a high school senior. At this time of the quarter, what do you do to stay focused, to power through, to complete the term on the right track? Give me and your fellow students some good advice.
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When it comes to the spring quarter, in the middle, around week five I have most of my “senioritis”. Around this time I tend to abandon all of my good habits for studying and my attention span decreases tremendously. Something weird happens to me after week seven though, I call it reverse laziness. I start doing assignments earlier than necessary; like now for instance. The feeling of needing to do something gets to me, so in order to avoid the feeling, I start doing all of my work ahead of time. I find that if I do my work earlier, rather than later I can pretty much do whatever I want the rest of the week. I also like to laugh at my friends who still have to do assignments that I’ve already finished. Another thing I do is find my total amount of points in all of my classes. I usually already have a grade in mind that I want for certain classes, then I total the amount of points that I need in order for that grade. If one needs less effort than others I’ll laze off in those class and focus on the other ones. This is not necessarily getting rid of my “senioritis” but I’m working with it. A technique I use for laziness throughout the year is bribing myself. If I study for an hour, I can watch one of my favorite shows or read a book for an hour. This is one of my most successful techniques hands down because it actually works for me.
ReplyDeleteI always plan on adding up the points needed to pass a class or get the grade that I want but I always forget. I end up asking the teacher after I turn in the final, which obviously does nothing for me. Maybe my subconscious already knows how little me knowing what I need to score will actually help with my studying. But i'm glad it works for you.
DeleteI'm the same way! I was a huge procrastinator, then i changed that habit. I now do my work and finish it a week before its due such as my research paper that is due tomorrow which I already finished it last week. And I make fun of my friend because she is still working on it. :D
DeleteHa! I like your honesty, as well as your awesome tactics of laziness. Adding up points to see which class needs the most focus is a really good idea! I agree also with the point of finishing assignments early in order to slack off the rest of the week. :D
DeleteI also use the bribing technique on myself when i want to get something done. Unfortunately it doesnt work so well with school work but sometimes it is effect and keeps me motivated.
DeleteI like to add up the points I have and need as well! It helps motivate me to quit procrastinating.
DeleteSpring quarter is always the toughest for me because I am at that point where I'm burned out from school. If someone where to look at my transcripts and compare the 3 quarters of this year you would probably see a small decline from A's to B's. Recently, in order to deal with my "senioritis" i set goals for myself that I want to achieve within two weeks. For example, my goals for this week include start working on my research papers by doing at least 2 pages a day, and start reading the tipping point. I've also managed to implement 2 hours of workout time at the gym, which i have been fairly successful. I think setting weekly goals is a good way, but it all depends on the person to follow up on those goals.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to set goals. It keeps you motivated and feels good when you can cross something off of the list.
DeleteI always have a goal every week and it helps me finish the things that needs to be done. And when i accomplished my goal, I treat myself for an icecream :)
DeleteOne of my problems is that I tend to set goals and follow them for about two weeks... after that I get extremely lazy and my old habits slowly creep back.
DeleteIve tried the goals thing with planners and everything but i always end up short of my goals. I wonder what you do to stay up with your goals?
DeleteDiana, in order to follow my goals i usually try to not procrastinate on accomplishing my goals. In addition, a lot of my goals such as going to the gym and finishing my papers on time i usually have someone that either wants to go to the gym with me or go to the library to study. I found it easier that if i have someone to motivate me and help me stay on track i get my goals done faster. These remaining weeks of school is what i call "essay hell." My roommates usually have essays during this time of the quarter and so we go to the library and work on the essays.
DeleteI carry an agenda to remind me of the work that needs to be done. Unfortunately, I stopped using it. But I have a white board on my wall and I use that to write down future assignment due dates. That helps because it is a constant reminder that I can see once I get home.
ReplyDeleteI also isolate myself. I do not like to do homework at home because I easily get distracted. Me and my sister share a room and it bothered me so much when she would play music on her phone or have the television on. It was impossible for me to do work. Luckily, she left to the ranch so I have the room to myself. But even with her gone, the t.v and cellphone is a great temptation. So I like going to the library where its quiet. I usually am able to get work done at the library.
I can only get work done in the library too; even if I am the only one at home, I still get distracted. I end up at the library so much that I should probably move in.
DeleteYup i have the same situation where i have to come to the school's library in order to concentrate. Otherwise i would get nothing done at home. It also helps to be out in parks, especially quiet one's. It's really relaxing.
DeleteI am one of those persons that can work when there is absolute silence.
DeleteI haven't tried going out to a park but it sounds nice, maybe sitting under a tree or on a picnic table. It's something I should try.
You have a pretty similar strategy as me with homework. I am absolutely terrible at doing my homework at home with the TV and such around me. You're definitely more organized than me though haha. That whiteboard technique definitely would help!
DeleteI've always wanted to keep an agenda/planner, but it's never worked out! I hope to one day be able to do so, perhaps next quarter.
DeleteI also tend to stick to an agenda but forget about it after a few weeks into the quarter. I also have a white board/calendar that helps to keep me on track.
DeleteSpring quarter is a tough time to get through because I just want to head to the beach and not worry about homework. Nevertheless, I have to get through it because I want to graduate. What I do to stay on track is to try complete my homework ahead of time. For example when I have to write a research paper I give myself at least two weeks to write and revise it. Because if I wait until the week before I will rush it and I know I won't do well on it. I also take it day by day and work on that paper everyday so it won't feel so overwhelming. What I do to stay focused is to complete my work at home with my electronics turned off and focus on my task. I also won't watch television, or get on social medias if I haven't finished my homework.Furthermore, I also give myself goals to complete my homework, and if I don't meet those goals I won't go out on the weekend. I also write down everything on my agenda, so I won't forget what I have to complete. Also, what I know helps for me and a couple friends, is to remind yourself how close you are to being done and just keep going. Remember that the the quarter is almost over and soon you will be on summer break. Give it all you have now and it will end up paying off in the end.
ReplyDeleteI agree! My mind is on the beach from this time forward as well. I like your advice about giving yourself more time to complete assignments! I'll have to try that so that I don't overwhelm myself.
DeleteI need to take my assignments day by day like you. I always wait until the last day
DeleteSpring quarter is a tough time for me because I feel like I want school to be done already. I definitely get the feel of "senioritis" during spring quarter, because I feel like it's almost the end of the year. Especially, when it gets closer and closer to finals. To me, spring quarter is one of the busiest quarters because there's so much to do before summer break. Also, there's a lot more of things going this quarter, than in fall and winter quarter. I feel more stressed out and overwhelmed during this time. To help me stay on top of my classes, is to try to get things done as soon as possible. For example, if I have to read a novel, I would count how many chapters there are and read a certain amount each day. I also try to not get everything done too fast, because if I do everything at once, I would become very stressed. So, I try to get things done but at a slow pace so I won't feel tired and burnt out. My goal during the school year is to not become to stressed out but not to be falling behind. When I feel I need help, I go and ask for it. I know that these strategies helps me out not only during spring quarter, but also during the whole school year.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good goal to have and I also try to not fall behind. I always try to keep up with my work so I won't rush it in the end.
DeleteHi Kristine, I am with you about feeling more stressed and overwhelmed. I should take your advice about doing my assignments at a slow pace because I tend to do everything by rushing. Hopefully I will not feel so burnt out all the time.
Deletei do the same thing when it comes to essays or novels. I would do 2-3 pages a day on my essay or read 4-5 chapters on a certain novel. If i fall behind i begin stressing out, and reading or writing just becomes more difficult because of the stress.
DeleteI wish I could take the same strategy as you with homework and such lol. I always wait til the last second and then the stress just piles on. But that is definitely and good strategy to get stuff done as fast as possible :). We're almost there!
DeleteI would love to say that I do things like get enough rest, eat well, and prioritize but truthfully, it's all about the coffee! This summer I'll be detoxing with some very nice green teas, but for now the more caffeine the better. If they could invent a caffeine IV, that would be great. Maybe some of the nursing students could do that?
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have recently begun to do is use my Iphone calendar to break up the hours I have to get work done. I will work on one class or assignment for about an hour and then switch to something else. If I find myself incapable of focusing any longer, I will set a timer. You really can do anything for fifteen minutes. Then I will get up, move around and then come back to it ready to finish. I've been taking classes continuously since the Spring semester of 2010 and I think that's why I am struggling with a bit of Senioritis. My brain is tired!
Haha! Amen to the coffee! ;) I like your idea about breaking up the monotony of school work with other activities so things stay exciting! :]
DeleteI think I will take your advice and schedule out time slots for school work.
DeleteLike other students, I tend to slack off during the spring semester. There are a few things I do to keep me on track and be motivated to finish the Spring quarter. First, I try not to procrastinate. I would lie to myself about the actual due date. For example, the Tipping Point essay is due on June 6, but I would tell myself that it is due on June 4th or 5th. Typing out my notes after writing it in class helps me by memorizing better because of repetition. It also make it easier for me to read. Importantly, writing out a weekly list of "things to do" on a planner or calendar. I bought my self a dry erase calendar, where I write down my weekly assignment. Checking off the goals, makes me want to get everything done faster. Lastly, I tell myself that the quarter is almost over. I remind myself that quarter is way faster than semester because I know I do not want to be back at a community college doing semester classes.These are my motivation to finish the class. Now I get to check this off my list.
ReplyDeleteLying seems like a good idea. It sounds like it would be effective in my opinion. Another good idea that's similar could be setting your own personal due dates. Give yourself something to do on the days that your assignment is really due so you have real motivation for your fake day. I found out that that really works. I had to go to a concert so I finished all of my stuff a few days before so that I could go.
DeleteYou have good tips because I haven't thought about lying to myself when an assignment is due. I also think I'll try writing down a weekly list of things to do on my planner. This way I can keep up with all my homework.
DeleteHi Chelsea, thanks. I will give the real motivation a try. Sometimes it's just hard because all I have time for is school, work, and house chores.
DeleteCecilia, doing the weekly list will definitely make you keep up with your homework and stay organized at the same time. You will feel great after checking off your assignment.
Good responses...
ReplyDeleteI always start to burn out around the 7th week of any quarter but Spring Quarter is especially difficult. I already have a hard time keeping up with my schedule since there is so much to do and not enough time in the day. At the beginning of each quarter I map out a rough schedule of the entire quarter. I include the tentative dates for projects, midterms, papers, and finals. Mapping out a full week for each assignment helps with the stress. I also anticipate the laziness and exhaustion that I know with faithfully come by the end of the 7th week. I usually cut out ‘gym time/study time’ for more ‘sleeping/recuperating’ time. I also try to go to sleep an hour earlier than usual on week days and find ways to relax on the weekends. Basically, I cut my study time in half on the daily since, if I stayed on schedule, I already have a good 7 weeks of studying under my belt. Since I spend more time watching television, obsessing over Kdramas, and scrolling on Tumblr, my brain thinks that it is getting a mini vacation. The best way to describe my strategy is to work super hard consistently for the majority of the quarter, that way when the huge projects and finals come along, there is nothing to worry about. Also, the best way to keep from going crazy from all the attention you give to your studies is to simply schedule yourself some fun to look forward to. For example, if I finish this anthropology paper by 1am then I get to watch another episode of Awkward before bed. You could even have a weekly reward of partying on Saturday night or reading a book. Just try to remember that if you do it now, then you do not have to do it later. Later, you can go to Vegas.
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is YES! I think Vegas would be an excellent reward for finishing all of my schoolwork and studying. I think it is very important to give yourself a rewards or "me time" after completing certain tasks.
DeleteYour studying habits/schedule is amazing! It makes total sense. I am most definitely going to try something like this in the fall.
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ReplyDeleteAfter being so busy last quarter, I definitely feel that I have caught senioritis this quarter. The past few weeks I have been focusing more in my classes, probably more than I ever have, but have not been putting in as much effort outside of class as I should. However, last week I realized that I needed to get my act together, so I started to make to do lists, look at my planner more (actually write in my planner), go to the library, and make an effort to look over my notes every night. I get motivated to check everything off of my list my the end of the week. Whenever I can cross a homework assignment off of my to do list, I feel amazing. It is extremely easy to get distracted, especially if whatever you are doing it not interesting. However, there are websites that will disable certain websites (like Facebook) and there I set my phone on blocking mode or airplane mode (so I don't get text, calls, or go on social media). Also, I took a stress management course and the professor stressed the importance of making a schedule and lists of things that need to be done, but the most important thing on the schedule should be "me time." It is vital for someone to make time to get work done, while making time for him/herself.
ReplyDeleteI also took an stress management class. He told us to make lists and to writing down our priorities. He also mentioned dedicating time to ourselves was important as well.
DeleteI used a planner when I was attending Taft few months ago and I was good at using it. I felt proud when I would cross off assignments that I had completed. Now, I use my whiteboard and erase what is complete.
Oh I'm definitely feeling the senioritis kick in! It started about two weeks ago and now I'm having issues focusing on anything outside of class. In class everything is okay, but out of class? Nope. It's been...a lot tougher than usual, to be honest. I think I'm just ready to get on to summer vacation already. As far as methods I use for defeating senioritis, well, I don't really have any. The main thing I do is remind myself that this stuff is very important to my future and I absolutely must do it. Sometimes this works, sometimes this doesn't, but I can't really do much else to convince me to power through it. I guess other smaller methods I try is by making it a rule to do all my homework by Saturday night. I use that to make sure I get things done by a certain deadline so I feel like I'm actually succeeding in something. If I do work all over the place with no deadline I feel like I'm stuck and that really starts influencing my senioritis symptoms. Another method that I feel works incredibly well if I have the disposable income is rewarding myself. If I tell myself I'm going to get something I really wanted if I just make it through the quarter then I am much more motivated than I was before there was no reward in front of me. But yeah, all in all it just comes down to motiviation, self rewarding and a schedule. Those three things are my big three methods in getting through a quarter, especially near the end :).
ReplyDeleteI also don't do much but remind myself the homework that has to be done. I am pretty good at doing all my homework assignments but sometimes they are done at the last minute. Because of this I have missed out on family reunions because I had homework to complete. I also write it down on whiteboard and then I say to myself "If I get this done I will be able to watch a movie or go to the store by the end of the week."
DeleteI always think about summer vacation during the last 2 or 3 weeks of school left as well. I always think that because to me it means I'm closer and closer to summer break. I always have to remind myself that to get to summer vacation I have to do the work before I can have a break.
DeleteCristina I pretty much get my homework done at the last minute too lol. I'm a huge procrastinator especially towards the end of a quarter so I can relate on that. Also the whiteboard thing is pretty cool! Getting a visual of something helps remind me of what I can do when I'm finished with something, so that's a neat thing to do :).
DeleteKris, yeah the last 3 weeks of school is the hardest! I'm constantly thinking about how awesome summer break is going to be and I put my homework on the back burner. It's a bad thing to do but sometimes I just can't help it. But you're right, reminding yourself that we have to do this work to get to the prize is necessary more than ever now!
For me to stay focus for the rest of the term is to avoid procrastinating, set a goal every week, and try to relax. I have to say that I’ve been lagging it this quarter compare to the previous quarters. But I tend to finish everything before the weekend so that I can relax. Every week, every Monday, I set a goal for me to look forward to everyday. I write everything down on my To-Do list for the week that needs to be done. I write it down on a piece of a paper, take a picture and put it as my cover photo on my phone to keep track on my To-Do list. It helps a lot. I tend to finish the easy (assignments, errands, etc) once first so that I don’t have to worry about it on Fridays. For essays or research papers, I give myself enough time to finish it. I’m that kind of person that gets anxiety and I get tensed up if I do it that week before it’s due. For example, when an essay is due in 2-3 weeks, I start right away. I do 1 page a day so that my stress level will go down. If I finish at least 2 assignments each day, I feel amazing. Summer is just around the corner, but for now, my main focus is to get high grades to get a higher gpa.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I do as well to avoid procrastination. I try to get everything done as soon as possible.
DeleteThat's great advice. Writing one page a day for an essay assignment is a great way to avoid doing it the last day and to keep stress down.
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ReplyDeleteSpring quarter is the worst for sure, especially when there is only a week or two break between winter and spring quarter. I have always been the procrastinating type but nursing school has definitely broke me of that habit. If I wait too long to do an assignment, I am screwed, for lack of a better word. This quarter I found that it has been easy to beat senioritis because I got a lot of my harder assignments done already. For example, I had a research paper due in the 6th week of the quarter. I find the first 2 weeks of school to be pretty easy, so I took advantage of some down time and did all my research ahead of time. About a week before the paper was due, I sat in the library on my day off and finished it. Having the assignment done was such a relief and I could focus more on studying for my tests. The stress of the quarter really gets to me about half way through and makes me regret my procrastinating habits. But this quarter, I found everything to be a lot easier and smoother than previous quarters because I'm currently not stressing about any upcoming assignments. So my advice is don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today! It will make your life a whole lot easier and you won't be stressing at the last minute about your projects that are due at the end of the quarter.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way! I like to finish my work first a week or few days before its due.
DeleteWOW!! Way to be ahead of the game. Great advice.
DeleteSeriously though! This is the worst case of senioritis I’ve ever had as well! My final quarter before I graduate is the fall (and I only have 2 classes even then), so I’m pretty much ready to check out. But sadly, I have to wait to walk the stage until the spring because apparently I missed the memo that there is no longer a winter commencement ceremony. :/ Anyway, when senioritis sets in, I usually use it as an opportunity to get out the old “school-to-do list” and put it to good use. I also plan at least one trip during the summer that I can start thinking about during these last couple weeks of school. My husband and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary on the 15th, so our anniversary trip will be the perfect thing to look forward to. It’s especially hard to focus on final assignments during the spring quarter, so I have to remind myself that “we’re almost done!” at least a few times a week. It’s important to give yourself a break time in between assignments while working on several at a time. This is vital, not only to prevent your brain from overloading, but also helps keep the quality of your assignments equal. If you start writing a paper right after you finish another, chances are it’s going to be very similar to the other and probably won’t sound very interesting. Finally, I usually make some sort of count-down to the end of the quarter about this time. That, along with the vacation planning, is what helps me most get through the final weeks of class.
ReplyDeleteOh, and when you have an especially difficult class, it helps to look forward to burning/drawing a huge X on the syllabus. Haha! :] Just kidding.
I have to wait until spring as well :( I thought I was going to be done in fall, but they do not offer Senior Seminar for biology in the fall, so now I got to wait until winter to take it. I thought about skipping fall and returning in winter, but the other two classes I need are only offered in the fall. All we can do is wait... The good news, you get to go on a trip :)
DeleteEmily, a one year anniversary sounds like a lot of fun to look forward to. There is nothing quite like checking off a syllabus and a sigh of relief that says, "Done!"
DeleteEmily, I like the idea of planning a trip or having something to look forward to.
DeleteThanks everyone! It doesn't even have to be a big trip, just something to get your mind off the monotony of schoolwork. :]
DeleteI love the idea of planning something so you can look forward to it. That's a great motivator and a much needed light at the end of the tunnel at this point.
DeleteAt this time of the quarter it is really easy to get distracted and feel like giving up. It is important to remember that you are almost finished and you just have to keep moving on. I really like countdowns, so I honestly have a countdown until my last final…22 days left!!! It is important to remember how far we have already come this quarter, so you might as well focus on finishing strong. Spring quarter is the worst because so many friends are already home from college and you are so ready for summer by the end of May. I like to focus on the fact that I am becoming one step closer to my goal of having my college degree. I think in the end when you are getting burned out and just ready to be done, it is so important to stay positive and keep going to the very end.
ReplyDeleteThe main thing to focus on is not procreating, especially on large projects that count for a large amount of your grade. It is easy to want to go out and enjoy the sunshine; however with the quarter system, you have to stay on top of your projects and papers in order to stay successful. Continuing to go to class is also super important to ending the quarter successfully. Stay on top of things!!! Good luck with your final weeks!! :)
Staying focused is so important. I tend to loose steam when I take semester classes, so having the shorter quarter helps. There is no time to lag without getting behind. Roughly two weeks left!
DeleteI definitely love the quarter system wayyy more than semesters. I hated being on the semester system at BC. Good luck with the rest of your quarter!!! I am so ready to be done!!
DeleteI have different methods of resisting the urge to slack off in the final days of the school year. Usually what goes through my mind if I’ve had a good year is to slack off and conform to what I’ve earned, but I always keep saying to myself that you have to give your best. If you don’t give your best work all the way then you’re going to feel regret. So I always power through my final days by thinking about how satisfied I will be in the end knowing that I tried very hard. Physically, I try to keep myself occupied with the school work and make lots of notes. Basically, I go all the way as a student and take everything in that I’ve learned. I do not like the feeling of over exhausting my brain though so I also take small breaks and make sure to get some fresh air once in a while. What really keeps me going though is knowing that I made it through the entire year and that a few more days or weeks will not stop me from finishing. I enjoy the feeling of the last few days or weeks of school because it feels like a race, and I like to race. It is nice to know that you can accomplish what you want when you really try your best and power through the year. Finishing strong and earning your certificate is one of the greatest feelings anyone can get.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the small breaks. I stop and go get a drink or go on my phone for a bit. Once I had my break, I am able to get back to work.
DeleteAs we approach closer to the end of the quarter, and the Summer is around the corner, I found myself less motivated and not focused at moments. When I begin to feel myself overwhelmed and anxious for the Spring Quarter to be over, I have to allow a moment just for me. I typically will try to go to the gym. Going to the gym allows me to check out of life for just an hour. I can listen to music and try not to think about school and the pressure. This also helps me get my energy up and allows me to stay focused. I also have to make a schedule for the last two weeks. Having a schedule helps me to stay on track. Especially these last two weeks when you have multiple papers/projects due. I also try to approach school as a day–by-day process. When I look at the large scheme of things I begin to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. My schedule allows for me not to slack on those moments when you feel like not doing anything. If I follow my schedule I will not find myself procrastinating. To my fellow senior students, Congratulation’s!! What an accomplishment. Just think in a few weeks you will be done. May you continue to thrive in your studies and may these few tips offer some assistance. And as for the rest of you, hope to see you next year with dedication and eagerness. May you all have a wonderful Summer.
ReplyDeleteSame here Julie! For about 5 weeks now, i been going to the gym for at least 2-3 hours a day, and its been very relaxing to just put down the pencils and papers for a bit. Yet, i have seen people study while they are working out in the gym. It was weird because this guy was on the treadmill reading off flashcards for his class.
DeleteAt this point in the quarter, I try my best to finish all the assignments that are due so I can proceed to begin studying for finals. I am sure everyone can relate to this to where you’re so close to being done that you cannot find the motivation or strength to move on. It seems that you’ve already completed 90% of the journey, but you’re not even halfway there. I usually try to write down everything that is due and I assign a time to finish it. Then, when everything is turned in, I begin to study for finals. However, I do try to go to the gym regularly, even if it’s just for an hour. Most importantly, I remind myself of the glorious twelve weeks that are ahead of me and use that as an incentive on why I need to keep doing well.
ReplyDeleteThat's very true. You have to find time for everything and have moderation for everything. I like to finish my work but i also like to go to the gym so often i find myself choosing one or the other but usually not both.
DeleteI am so looking forward to those twelve glorious weeks. It's an excellent motivator!
DeleteBy this time in the quarter, I tend to be really tired of school, yet at the same time, I get a bit of an adrenaline rush at the thought of finals coming up. Even though I feel like sitting through one more science related lab or lecture is going to make me go crazy, I get a strong motivation to do well on my final because it's my last shot to make up for any areas in the course in which I may have slacked or not done as well as I had hoped. In order to do well in my classes and not procrastinate, I like to calculate the points I have in my classes and figure out what grades I need to get on my final and any other assignments that will be due in order to do well in the course overall. Once my calculations are done, I try to manage my time so I can have enough time to get what I need to do complete. After that, I begin to go over my notes and make tons of flash cards. At this point in the quarter, repetition through flashcards is key. Rather than reading through lengthy chapters in my enormous textbooks, flashcards are straight forward and much easier to go through, not to mention, much easier to take with me wherever I go instead of a bunch of textbooks. This method has been effective for me throughout the three years I've been at CSUB and I really hope it continues to work.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing! Calculating the points I need for a certain grade helps me stay motivated and try to do well on the assignments. I've also used flash cards in some of my bio classes and they are very effective when I need to memorize certain concepts.
DeleteOut of all the quarters, the spring quarter can be the most difficult for me to complete. I just want to get done with classes and enjoy the summer break. However, it is important to keep in mind that the quarter isn’t finished. To help me stay focused, I make a detailed schedule of all of the assignments I need to complete. I also write down, next to the assignment, the amount of time I think it will take me to complete it. Then, I number each assignment, 1 being my first priority. By following a schedule, I am less distracted and can manage my time efficiently. I also try to keep distractions to a minimum. I try not to start any new TV shows because I know I will end up binge watching all the episodes. Another thing that some students have trouble with towards the end of the quarter is going to class regularly. It can become tedious, but it’s important to not miss any class time because there might be information about what to expect on a midterm or final.
ReplyDeletei totally agree with you, spring quarter always seems to drag along slower than the other quarters haha
DeleteSame here I can hardly help myself from planning camping, beach, and road trips for the summer. It is extremely difficult to stay on track when all I want are redwoods around me, sand between my toes, and ocean water in my hair.
DeleteDiagnosis: Senoritis
ReplyDeletePrescription: Review your goals daily and take a trip to the beach.
A person should ask oneself why they are enrolled in the class and why they decided to take classes in the first place. Asking why sometimes helps to alleviate laziness associated with burnout towards the end of the quarter. Or it often works for me. Usually a short trip to the beach clears my head enough to eliminate burnout entirely. Everyone has a different way to relieve stress and the boring monotony of school. It is just best not to let it effect one negatively.
yeah sometimes we just have to remind ourselves of our goals in order to achieve them!
DeleteHonestly spring quarter is always the toughest for me because summer break is always luring around the corner! It is quite difficult to concentrate on schoolwork whenever the skies are sunny blue and your friends ask you to hang out. However, one must always keep in the back of their head that we should work now in order to play later. Sometimes you'll have to sacrifice going out or something else in order to study for a test, or complete a research paper. There will always be other opportunities to go out and have fun, but a school quarter is not something that should be taken lightly, since ten weeks fly by in the blink of an eye. School isn' easy, but the rewards are bountiful.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for summer vacation and it so hard when my other college friends are coming home already. I want to be done and out having fun with them!! I just want to be out in the sunshine these days and by the pool!! I like how you remember to work hard now and play later…such a great saying!! Good luck with the rest of your quarter!!
DeleteIt's always the same story for me when the end of a quarter is within sight. I feel my ability to focus start to wain and I have the concentration strength of a puppy. One thing that really helps me to power through is making a list for everyday. I write down everything that absolutely has to get done that day and I get to it. There's a feeling of accomplishment when I'm able to cross something off the list. Also, making a list of everything helps me manage the inevitable feeling that I forgot to do something. It usually wakes me up around 3am in a cold sweat but not to worry! I simply check the list and add something if necessary. I even have a little notebook that says "Make a list, you'll feel better" on the front and I usually always do feel better after I make one.
ReplyDeleteam a list person also and I leave myself sticky notes of dates, todo, time schedules, assignments in order of priorities, and more.
DeleteI like writing down stuff as well, but unfortunately I find myself just transferring things to different lists. haha!! I do always feel better when I make a list. It makes you realize how much or how little you have to do. It is so satisfying to be able to cross things off of your list. Good luck with the rest of your quarter!!
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ReplyDeleteIt is hard for me to concentrate at home or simply complete an assignment. I cannot relax and focus because even though I have the ideal office in my home. Household chores such as bills, cooking, or laundry easily distract me. Therefore, my only advice to others who may be like me is to find a place away from home, clean, neat, with no clutter, and not too many people or noise. I found my little secret spot that fits these ideals; it smells like coffee, and only plays low jazz music. It’s not Starbucks because that is the perfect example of somewhere not to go for studying or homework, although I always see students there doing homework or in study groups. Starbucks is loud, crowed, and constantly busy. I find that once you are in that perfect setting the best thing to do is as much homework you can. Put your phone and laptop away in a bag and complete as much of the assignment that you can in a book or on actual paper. This helps me because even if I am only using word document on my computer, the Internet icon on my Mac is on the bottom of the screen. Pinterest is my weakness and addiction, once I start, it is hard to stop with a laptop in front of me, Pinterest is two clicks away.
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